Ginn Jr. on trade to 49ers

New 49ers wide receiver/return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. talked to local reporters via teleconference today about his trade from the Dolphins for a fifth-round pick.

Here’s what he had to say …

Q: Thoughts on being traded?

A: A great team, a great coach, I know a couple guys, I was excited to be able to be a 49er. They have a great tradition so it’s good to be there.

Q: Relief to get out of Miami?

A: I wouldn’t say a sense of relief but it’s always good to have a new start. Coming out to the 49ers is going to give me a brand new start. Leaving Miami, I hold no grudges and have no bad feelings about anything. It’s just my time was up there, I enjoyed it there and now it’s time to move on.

Q: Was this inevitable to you when Miami traded for Brandon Marshall?

A: I didn’t really know that. I can’t say, ‘Yeah, I knew when we picked up Brandon Marshall I was gone.’ I can’t really say that. When we got the trade, I was happy, another guy coming into the Miami Dolphins. But in the same sense, you know it’s a business, you already know you’re up for anything.

Q: When did you first talk with Mike Singletary?

A: When he called me earlier today.

Q: What did he say about how he envisioned using you?

A: Well he didn’t really tell me how he envisioned me right now. He just said he’s happy I’m coming to the 49ers, it’s a great situation for me and him and just get down here and let’s get with it.

Q: Surprised Miami gave up on you so soon?

A: I know it’s a game, it’s a business. I guess they wanted a new start for them and for me. No bad blood, it’s the best decision for both of us and we moved on.

Q: You haven’t returned punts much lately, but are open to it?

A: I’m very open. That’s one of the things that I like to do. Special teams-wise, as far as kickoff and punt returns, that’s me. I just think that’s just another way that I can get the ball in my hands and make plays for my team.

Q: Why didn’t you return punts the past two seasons?

A: I really can’t tell you sir. I don’t know why at all.

Q: Feeling on competing for a receiver spot?

A: We haven’t really talked about that. They welcome me with open arms. I’m going to come in and just compete and be the player that I am and let my play talk for whatever needs to be said.

Q: Are you strictly a return specialist, or still have hope as a WR?

A: I still have hopes of being an elite receiver. I don’t think that I fell off at all. I just believe special teams is one of the assets I have in my game. I’m just going to come in and do both.

Q: Did you work out with Vernon Davis in Miami, thoughts?

A: I didn’t really work out with Vernon. I seen him a couple times, hung out but that’s about it. Just coming to the 49ers, I’m going to come in and show them what I got.

Q: Change of Miami management part of why you were limited the past two years?

A: Sir, I really don’t know. We came in with a new coaching staff two years ago. I showed them what I got. I was a starter, you know what I mean? It wasn’t like I wasn’t getting playing time or anything like that. I came in, I did what I did and I enjoyed my time there in Miami.

Q: When are you coming out here for the offseason program?

A: Yes sir. Whenever I pass a physical.

Q: Have you been in Miami’s voluntary program?

A: I haven’t missed a day.

Q: Big expectations as a top-10 pick?

A: I mean there’s a lot of pressure, just going out, being the big guy, just them expecting you to come out and be the guy. Sometimes it takes two or three years to get yourself in tune to the NFL. Just being a first-rounder, it doesn’t really make the person. You just have to go out and learn the system, learn the game, and you become who you become as you grow in the league.

Q: But is patience short for top-10 picks?

A: I mean yeah. It can go both ways. Sometimes you come out and you can be right on target like you never came out of college. Then, sometimes it just takes you two or three years just to get in tune to it.

Q: Familiar with 49ers offense?

A: Well yeah, I know a couple guys. I’m not all the way in tune with their offense. I know it’s a West Coast offense. I know they like to throw the ball around. I played them once last year and that’s all i really know until I get down there and get in the system and figure out what’s going on.

Q: Guys you know on the 49ers?

A: Well I know Jason Hill, Nate Clements, Alex Boone out there, Vernon Davis is out there, just a couple guys I do know. The linebackers, we came out together. There’s a couple guys out there who can show me around.

Q: Singletary says you’re upside is off the charts, how does that feel coming from your head coach?

A: I mean it’s great. I’m just glad they have that type of potential for me. I’m just going to come in and live up to expectations.